TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese tech conglomerate Sony Group Corp. will increase its stake in major game and anime publisher Kadokawa Corp. to strengthen the strategic partnership and expand their entertainment businesses globally, the two companies said Thursday.

The companies said Sony will acquire 50 billion yen ($318 million) worth of new shares to be issued by Kadokawa in January to raise its stake to around 10 percent from the current 2 percent and become the largest shareholder in the publisher. Sony previously acquired shares in the company in February 2021.

They will strengthen collaboration in their entertainment operations and discuss initiatives to adapt Kadokawa's content into live-action films and TV dramas globally, co-produce anime works and expand the publisher's global distribution.

The decision comes as Sony, the maker of the popular PlayStation game console, has sought to ramp up its animation offerings in recent years. The company, which began as an electronics maker, has transformed into an entertainment giant with growth driven by its music, games and movie businesses.

Kadokawa's animation portfolio includes popular anime series such as "Bungo Stray Dogs" and "Oshi No Ko," while its gaming subsidiary FromSoftware Inc. has developed popular titles such as the action role-playing game "Elden Ring."